Yoga & Meditation
What is Yoga? Is it a set of exercises? While most of us think, yoga is a set of physical workout; it is actually a way of life.
Yoga derived from Sanskrit word “yug”; Yoga actually means union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness and this is only possible when our body is physically & mentally ready to handle such a connection. Therefore, one has to practice a way of life that includes, physical workouts, breathing techniques, meditation to bring the required physical balance to attain the desired union. This was earlier practiced only by sages & seers, who wanted to attain higher consciousness.
Yoga has been mentioned in various Vedas & Upanishads and other ancient foundational sutra of Hindu philosophy over a period of 5000 years but perhaps most elaborately mentioned in Patanjali Yogasutra. Patanjali is considered as the father of Yoga and his Yoga Sutra are completely dedicated to the knowledge of Yoga.
Over a period of time, when one realized, yogic practice enables any person to become, calmer, happier and fulfilled, the practice started to spread but only the asana or the physical workouts were mostly popularized.
Know more:
http://www.yogananda-srf.org/What_Is_Yoga,_Really_.aspx#.WUJueqmnofQ